Analysis and minimization of bending losses in discrete quantum networks

We study theoretically the transfer of quantum information along bends in two-dimensional discrete lattices. Our analysis shows that the fidelity of the transfer decreases considerably, as a result of interactions in the neighbourhood of the bend. It is also demonstrated that such losses can be controlled efficiently by the inclusion of a defect. The present results are of relevance to various physical implementations of quantum networks, where geometric imperfections with finite spatial extent may arise as a result of bending, residual stress, etc.